Abstract: A wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, and the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for connecting an agricultural implement to a tractor. The attachment assembly comprises a tractor-side frame configured to extend from a rear of the tractor, and an implement-side frame configured to be removably attached to the implement. The implement-side frame is configured to rotate with respect to the tractor-side frame.

Abstract: A shield assembly for a shaft includes a first tubular section having a first end and a second end and a second tubular section having a first end and a second end. The first and second tubular sections are each hollow receiving the shaft. The first tubular section includes a first outer diameter and the second tubular section includes a second outer diameter, the first outer diameter being greater than the second outer diameter. The first tubular section and the second tubular section are telescopically coupled to one another where the second tubular section is movably disposed at least partially within the first tubular section.

Abstract: A system measures the roughness of the ground surface over which an agricultural implement passes as measured in the direction of travel The system includes at least one ground sensor attached to the agricultural implement that provides measurement of the distance to the ground. A controller is connected to the at least one ground sensor, and controls at least one adjustment of the agricultural implement. The at least one ground sensor provides instantaneous output based on the distance to the ground to the controller. The controller then calculates at least one statistical parameter from the instantaneous output. The at least one statistical parameter is calculated from variations in the distance to the ground in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a residue characteristic associated with a portion of the field within a detection zone positioned forward of the residue removal device relative to a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller may be configured to monitor the residue characteristic associated with the portion of the field within the detection zone based on data received from the sensor. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control the operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored residue characteristic.

Abstract: A vacuum system that includes a planter frame. A row unit bracket couples to the planter frame. A fan couples to the planter frame and draws air through a row unit. An exhaust duct extends through the row unit bracket. The exhaust duct couples to the fan and discharges airflow from the fan towards the ground. A diffuser reduces a speed of and/or redirects the airflow as the airflow exits the exhaust duct.

Abstract: A planter is provided comprising an automated planting unit for planting plots of seeds in a field. The planting unit includes a first seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit and a second seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit. The planting unit also includes a seed meter configured to plant seeds from the first seed storage unit and the second seed storage unit in a field, and a diverter unit coupled to the first and second seed storage units and to the seed meter. The diverter, then, is configured to selectively direct seeds from either the first seed storage unit or the second seed storage unit to the seed meter, whereby the seeds from the first and second seed storage units may be planted separately or together (e.g., for mixed planting, etc.).

Abstract: A method of maintaining a desired seed population rate during periods of acceleration of the agricultural planter. In one method, if the horizontal acceleration of the planter is greater than a predefined upper threshold, the seed disc is driven at a rotational speed to maintain the desired seed population rate based on a highest stable ground speed. In another method, if the horizontal acceleration is less than a predefined lower acceleration threshold, the seed disc is driven at a rotational speed to maintain the desired seed population rate based on a lowest stable ground speed. In another method, if the horizontal acceleration is less than the predefined upper acceleration threshold and is greater than the predefined lower acceleration threshold, the seed disc is driven at a rotational speed to maintain the desired seed population rate based on an a preferred planter ground speed input.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow-closing assembly having a closing disc. A controller of the system may be configured to determine when a penetration depth of the closing disc falls outside a predetermined depth range based on data received from a depth sensor. The controller may also be configured to control the operation of an actuator to adjust a down pressure applied to the closing disc to return the monitored penetration depth to within the predetermined depth range. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an operational adjustment to be made to an additional tool of the seed-planting implement based on the adjustment made to the down pressure applied to the closing disc. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the additional tool to execute the operational adjustment.

Abstract: A spraying support system for a working machine, includes: a support device including a plan creator portion to create a spraying plan representing a relation between field information relating to a field to which spray substance is sprayed and spraying information including spraying amount of the spray substance; a plan obtainer device provided to a working machine having a sprayer device to spray the spray substance and configured to obtain the spraying plan created by the plan creator portion; and a spraying controller device to control a sprayer portion of the sprayer device based on the spraying information of the spraying plan obtained by the plan obtainer device.

Abstract: A system and method to distribute pesticides, fertilizers, water, and other materials on a farm with accuracy and precision is disclosed in order to combat the problems imposed on the environment due to over-fertilization and over use of pesticides. This system and method is a social networking control system in which multiple farms have independent grids of sensors capable of detecting the presence of pesticides, fertilizers, water, and other materials in the air, in the top-soil, and in the groundwater. These grids of sensors detect the location and concentration of these materials and reports them back to a social control system for analysis. The control system regulates the deposition of further chemicals through computer control of the chemical dispersal systems.

Abstract: A nutrient distributor in accordance with the present disclosure includes a vehicle with a frame, a prime mover, and a distribution system. The distribution system conveys dry nutrients to rowed crops.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting agricultural product having: a frame; a first cutting component; and a support for the first cutting component on the frame that is driven to cause the first cutting component to be moved in a cutting path. The first cutting component has a body with a first serrated cutting edge to sever agricultural product engaged thereagainst. The first cutting edge has a length and a plurality of teeth spaced from each other in a lengthwise direction. Each tooth has a tip, Spacing between the tooth tips is non-uniform over a majority of the length of the first cutting edge.

Abstract: The device herein is an attachment means that may be reversibly coupled to a standard, commercially-available gas or electric weed trimmer. The device includes an embodiment that couples an edger blade with multiple strings of trimmer line so that the weed trimmer is able to cut large diameter weeds and brush. Additionally, this attachment converts the weed trimmer into an edger device. An alternate attachment is formed so that a rake is coupled to the weed trimmer, allowing a user to rake weeds or soil with the weed trimmer.

Abstract: A mower deck transport lock includes a transport lock plate pivotably mounted to the frame of a zero turn mower for supporting and locking a mower deck in a transport position. A transport lock release knob may be connected to the transport lock plate and releases the mower deck from the transport position so that the mower deck may be supported at any of a plurality of mowing height settings using a dial positioned adjacent the transport lock release knob.

Abstract: A dual handle speed adjustment device includes left and right handles, a link and a slider. The left and right handles each have an actuating end, an operating end and a handle hinge as a pivot axis. The slider has a first connection end connected to the actuating ends of the left and right handles, a second connection end connected to a speed control device, and a part between the first and second connection ends hinged to one end of the link, which has the other end thereof provided with a link rotation axis. The left and right handles independently drive the slider to move when they are turned. The invention can realize the separate operation of two speed adjusting handles.

Abstract: A zero-turn mower including a removably attached front-end loader, where front-end loader includes two boom arms and a bucket, and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may include a center plate, a loader attachment mechanism, and a mower attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A mowing machine has a cutterbar oriented transverse to a travel and working direction of the mowing machine and provided with first and second ends spaced apart from each other in longitudinal direction. First cutting members are rotatably mounted on a top side of the cutterbar and rotatably driven about a vertical axis by a drive assembly within the cutterbar. A joint and drive assembly is connected to the first end of the cutterbar. A lateral cutterbar section is connected to the joint and drive assembly and has a second cutting member driven by the joint and drive assembly. The joint and drive assembly has first and second holding elements mounted relative to each other such that pivoting of the lateral cutterbar section in a cutterbar plane of the cutterbar is enabled. The first and second holding elements are arranged in planes positioned at a minimal spacing above each other.

Abstract: A longitudinal axial flow drum structure having an adjustable threshing diameter includes a threshing drum, a transmission mechanism, a diameter regulating mechanism and a regulating steel wire pulling mechanism. The transmission mechanism delivers power to regulating devices of the diameter regulating mechanism. The diameter regulating mechanism is connected with the transmission mechanism and the threshing drum to enable threshing diameter regulation. The transmission mechanism and the diameter regulating mechanism are installed inside a feeding cylinder of the threshing drum. The threshing diameter is regulated in real-time and stepless manner by adjusting the regulating steel wire pulling mechanism to pull a regulating steel wire in the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flower pot of a double structure comprised of an inner container and an outer container. The present invention relates in particular to a flower pot of a double structure comprised of an inner container and an outer container, in which an inside container for planting a plant is designed to be transparent so that how the plant is rooted or watered is observable, and the interior of the pot is completely shielded from the light by preventing the light from entering from above and an outside container covering the pot is completely shielded from the light so that moss is suppressed from being grown on the inner surface of the pot and the plant can be grown in a most suitable environment without applying the light to the roots. The pot is of a double structure comprised of the inner container 11 and the outer container 21 disposed outside the inner container 11.

Abstract: The grow fence garden planter and bird and small animal feeder system for planting vegetation or bird and small animal feeder in limited space by stacking in standard vertical posts and horizontal rail is disclosed. The vertical posts provide structural support to the fence and horizontal rail provide base for growing vegetation. The vertical post can be provided with metallic support for fixing on hard floor. The vegetation can be planted directly in vegetation holes in horizontal rail or can be planted in the vegetation pots. If horizontal rails of grow fence are not being used either as bird and small animal feeder or growing vegetation, the faces of the horizontal rails with holes turned in downwards direction. A feeding platform and bird bath can be also installed in the same way as vegetation pots. A lighting arrangement is provided to illuminate the system in night.

Abstract: A multi-tiered plant growing aid includes a first frame and a plurality of base legs attached to the first frame such that the first frame is supported by and spaced apart from a base surface. A second frame is included, and a plurality of support legs are positioned between the first frame and the second frame such that the second frame is positioned parallel and spaced apart from the first frame. A first mesh panel is attached to the first frame and a second mesh panel is attached to the second frame such that the second mesh panel is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first mesh panel. The second frame has an outer dimension greater than an outer dimension of the first frame such that a plurality of cascading growing shelves is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plant cultivating apparatus. The plant cultivating apparatus includes an elastic housing having an inner cavity, the elastic housing being provided with first and second openings at upper and lower ends thereof in communication with the inner cavity; a top structure provided at the upper end of the elastic housing to close the first opening; a bottom structure provided at the lower end of the elastic housing to close the second opening and configured to hold a root of a plant; and a lifting structure provided between the top structure and the bottom structure, the lifting structure being capable of stretching and compressing in the vertical direction, thus driving the top structure to move up or down with respect to the bottom structure.

Abstract: A refrigerating cultivation greenhouse is disclosed, including a support pedestal where fixed parts embedded underground. A connection block is fixed on the fixed parts. A greenhouse framework fixed on the connection block. Plastic covering films structured by two layers are disposed on an outer layer and an inner layer of the framework. A refrigeration system includes a refrigerant circulation system, an air box, an air outlet pipe communicating with the air box and interior of the greenhouse, and an air inlet pipe communicating with the air box and interior of the greenhouse. The air inlet pipe may be provided with an exhaust fan. Heat exchange occurs between refrigerant and hot air within the air box. In such a way, the air is conveyed into the air box.

Abstract: A power generation plant includes a support structure formed by supporting piles aligned fastened to the ground, such structure being a bi-dimensional structure placed on an agricultural land, with any orientation. The power generation plant further includes a handling system for solar energy receptor devices placed on the piles arranged in a row, adapted to allow the handling of such devices around at least a first axis. The plant also includes one or more greenhouses for intensive cultivation of agricultural products, on the ground beneath such receptor devices, between rows of adjacent piles.

Abstract: A closed farm system for efficient plant production is provided. The closed farm system may have an air flow control system operable to direct air flow past plants growing within the system. The air flow control system may be operable to control heating and cooling of lighting panels and air flow ductwork within the closed farm system. The closed farm system may also have a plurality of LED lights mounted on one or more sheets supported by a frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of stacking sod rolls can include: (a) moving a head of a sod handling apparatus to a sod pick-up location containing a plurality of sod rolls; (b) picking up a first sod roll with a first sod carrier, picking up a second sod roll with a second sod carrier, and picking up a third sod roll with a third sod carrier; (c) moving the head to a sod drop-off location; (d) depositing the first sod roll from the first sod carrier at the sod drop-off location; (e) after depositing the first sod roll, moving the second sod carrier and the third sod carrier toward the first sod carrier to reduce the spacing between the second and third sod rolls; and (f) depositing the second and third sod rolls at the drop-off location.

Abstract: A method for generating digital models of potential crop yield based on planting date, relative maturity, and actual production history is provided. In an embodiment, data representing historical planting dates, relative maturity values, and crop yield is received by an agricultural intelligence computer system. Based on the historical data, the system generates spatial and temporal maps of planting dates, relative maturity, and actual production history. Using the maps, the system creates a model of potential yield that is dependent on planting date and relative maturity. The system may then receive actual production history data for a particular field. Using the received actual production history data, a particular planting date, and a particular relative maturity value, the agricultural intelligence computer system computes a potential yield for a particular field.

Abstract: A no-till gardening system is generally comprised of an upper housing unit, a lower housing unit, and at least one securement device. The at least one securement device is further comprised of an attachment tab and an anchoring unit. The upper housing unit is capable of resting upon that of the lower housing unit. A combination of soil and plant seed may be inserted into the space located in between that of the upper and lower housing units. The at least one securement device is used to secure the upper and lower housing units to the ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control irrigation. An image of an area of vegetation is received from a video camera supporting security monitoring wherein the video camera provides image data to both a security monitoring system and an irrigation control system. Vegetation is identified in the image based on processing the image's pixel information. Respective colors of the vegetation are determined by further processing color information within the pixel information depicting the vegetation. Based on the respective color of the vegetation, a respective irrigation state of the vegetation is determined. An irrigation need is determined based on the respective determined irrigation state of the vegetation. Irrigation is provided to the vegetation independently of a set irrigation schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aeroponic growing container and a fog transportation system that moves nutrient-rich fog into the aeroponic growing container. The container may comprise one or more electrically grounded plants or one or more electrically grounded plant support structures that suspend one or more plants. The fog transportation system comprises an electrode that transfers an electrical charge to the nutrient-rich fog, such that the nutrient-rich fog is electrically attracted to the one or more plants. The method comprises providing an aeroponic growing container comprising one or more plant support structures that suspend one or more plants, electrically grounding the plant support structures, and transporting nutrient-rich fog into the container by means of a fog transportation system. The fog transportation system comprises an electrode that transfers an electrical charge to the fog, such that the fog is electrically attracted to the plants.

Abstract: A vertical farming system is disclosed herein. The vertical farming system can comprise a frame configured to fit into an enclosed growing environment. The vertical farming system can further comprise a track supported by the frame, where the track is configured to provide side access. The vertical farming system also includes an irrigation conduit coupled to the frame adjacent to the track. The vertical farming system includes a growth media field where the growth media field includes brackets coupled to a top portion of the growth media field. The growth media field can be made of porous material configured to form a root zone environment support and provide fluid distribution to root systems. The brackets can be configured to slidably couple to one or more tracks such that the growth media field is suspended from the one or more tracks.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides Capsicum annuum plants exhibiting increased resistance to Leveillula taurica. Such plants comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with disease resistance on chromosome 6. In certain aspects, compositions and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with an increased disease resistance phenotype are provided.

Abstract: A Scabiosa atropurpurea plant characterized by an inflorescence diameter above 7 cm is provided. Also provided are a Scabiosa atropurpurea plant characterized by a pedicel length above 60 cm, and a Scabiosa atropurpurea plant characterized by a pedicel diameter above 5 mm.

Abstract: Purple baby broccoli plants and methods for producing purple baby broccoli plants are disclosed. The invention relates to the plants and seeds of purple baby broccoli and to methods for producing a Brassica oleracea plant having purple head and purple stems plant by crossing the purple baby broccoli with itself or another cultivar. The invention further relates to the parents of purple baby broccoli and for methods of producing purple baby broccoli. The invention also relates to methods for producing locus conversion plants of purple baby broccoli and its parent plants and to the plants produced by those methods. This invention also relates to Brassica oleracea cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from purple baby broccoli, to methods for producing other Brassica oleracea cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from purple baby broccoli and to the Brassica oleracea plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hemp plant variety designated NBS CBD-1. The cultivar is a feminized, autoflowering, high CBD hemp variety. The plant and products thereof can be useful for a variety of medicinal uses, including movement disorders, anxiety, and pain, as well as a variety of industrial uses. Also provided are tissues cultures, seeds, and plant cells of the NBS CBD-1 variety.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a plant of variety NUN 83067 CUL as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 83067 CUL is Dutch long type cucumber variety for the fresh market and suitable for growing in high wire greenhouse, comprising resistance to Cladosporium cucumerinum, Podosphaera xanthii, Corynespora cassiicola, and Cucumber Green Mottling Mosaic Virus (CGMMV).

Abstract: A machine or apparatus to capture dog urine and solid waste for generally indoor use by a dog owner that automatically or manually advances fresh pads on a predetermined programming of the machine by the control module.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods comprising a fragrance and from about 0.5 weight % to about 5.0 weight % of a granular malodor adsorbent which can be used to eliminate malodor in animal waste. The granular malodor absorbent can be granular molecular sieves or granulated activated carbon and has a pore size from about 0.4 nm to about 2.0 nm and a total surface area from about 100 m2/g to about 1500 m2/g.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel livestock bedding and a novel compost. [Solution] A livestock bedding to be used for rearing livestock, said livestock bedding comprising a shredded product of a plant belonging to a genus Erianthus.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a signal from one or more feeders. A processor is in communication with the can be configured with an artificial intelligence module and a library of pre-recorded action events and for comparing the signal with the library of pre-recorded action events and determining a likely action event. A warning device can be in communication with the processor for providing an output in response to the likely action event. At least one false positive sensor in communication with either the processor or the warning device or both of the processor and the warning device can be used for stopping the output from the warning device upon a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An animal enclosure includes a kennel body including a rotational molded wall formed from a plastic material. The kennel body defines an interior space shaped to accommodate one or more animals, and defines a door opening shaped to allow the animal to enter and exit the kennel body. A hoop-shaped door frame is disposed on the kennel body proximate the door opening. A door is disposed on the door frame, and the door is pivotally moveable relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position. A latch is disposed on the door. A drain recess is defined in the rear wall of the kennel body, and a removable drain plug may be positioned in the drain recess. A moat is defined in the kennel body floor to collect water off the floor of the kennel body.

Abstract: An animal enclosure includes an inner wall defining an enclosure space for an animal and an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inner wall. A gap is defined between the inner and outer walls. The gap is filled with a gas such as air in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the gap is filled with a filler material such as foam or polymer material. The animal enclosure includes an upper housing member and a lower housing member in some embodiments. The upper and lower housing members may be secured together using one or more fasteners to form the animal enclosure. Each of the upper and lower housing members is rotational molded in some embodiments. Each of the upper and lower housing members includes an outer wall and an inner wall, each separated by a gap, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Presented is a pet carrier for retaining small pets. The pet carrier essentially includes a carrier body and a carrier support arrangement for mounting the carrier body on the bicycle's handlebars or the car's seat. The carrier body includes a front door section, a head section, and a base section. The carrier body also includes a built-in handle at the head section enabling a user to carry the pet carrier from one location to another. The front door section is selectively openable and includes a self-locking latch mechanism that self-locks, when a user places the pet inside the pet carrier and closes the front door section. Further, the base section of the pet carrier includes a mounting/dismounting mechanism that allows the carrier body to click or attach onto the carrier support arrangement designed to removably mount the carrier body on to a bicycle's handlebar or a car's seat.

Abstract: According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a system for loading, mixing and transporting feed. The system includes a scoop assembly and a mixing tub that are movable overhead a series of storage bays. The scoop assembly may retrieve commodities from the storage bays and load measured quantities of the commodities into the mixing tub.

Abstract: The subject livestock feeding device consists of a body member and a flexible feed rate control member to optimize the feeding rate of hay through the top of the body member. The flexible feed rate control member conforms to the volume and shape of the hay within the device providing a simulated-natural feeding environment for horses to nibble hay. The flexible feed rate control member is operationally retractable to quickly facilitate top loading of hay into the body member.

Abstract: A watering tank circulating assembly includes a frame that is submerged in a livestock watering tank. A fluid pump is coupled to the frame to circulate the water in the livestock watering tank when the fluid pump is turned on. In this way the fluid pump inhibits the water from freezing. A heating coil is coupled to the frame to heat the water when the heating coil is turned on, thusly inhibiting the water from freezing. A thermostatic switch is coupled to the frame and each of the fluid pump and the heating coil is electrically coupled to the thermostatic switch. The thermostatic switch turns on each of the fluid pump and the heating coil when the temperature of the water drops below a trigger temperature. Additionally, the thermostatic switch turns off each of the fluid pump and the heating coil when the temperature of the water rises about the trigger temperature.

Abstract: A blanket with a first section having both a first end and a second end, and a second section that is at least partially formed from an elastic material and coupled to the first section. The first and second sections of this blanket are configured to be positioned on an animal, with the second section coupled to the first section and positioned at least partially along a chest area of the animal.

Abstract: A method of using a reconfigurable pet enrichment system to help pets fulfill their natural behaviors is provided. The system can be arranged to facilitate an environment that helps stimulate, entertain, and exercise a pet, and also provides a defensible space for napping, resting, or sleeping. The system can be constructed from two pieces of pliable material: a base component and a top-covering component attached to the base component by means of semi-permanent fasteners to create a variety of forms such as ripples, nooks and tunnels. The top component can contain several openings of different sizes. Openings appeal to a pet's predatory nature, as the openings provide a source of stimulation and interaction. The system may also be configured with a plurality of members attached via semi-permanent fasteners.

Abstract: A combined adjustable pet ball-throwing rod includes a rod body. A front ball socket is fixed to a first end of the rod body. The front ball socket has a hollow connecting tube. A rear ball socket is detachable and slidably sleeved on the connecting tube. The front ball socket and the rear ball socket form an elastic ball socket. The connecting tube is provided with a retaining portion, the first end of the rod body is provided with a buckling portion, and the buckling portion is buckled in the retaining portion. The quantity of the retaining portions is two, and the two retaining portions are respectively located on two opposite side walls of the connecting tube. The quantity of the buckling portions is two, and one buckling portion is buckled in one retaining portion.